Sidelined by Silence

(Proverbs 17:28 KJV)  Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Notice the similarities and differences between what the world sees as wisdom and Godly wisdom.  Both would admit that there is wisdom.  The wisdom of God is rooted in a fear of God and adhering to the truth.  Silence can be respected but does not automatically convey wisdom.  A pause in a sermon can be powerful but an empty pulpit conveys nothing but the suspicion that someone forgot to set their alarm clock.

The world is different.  Since wisdom is in the ears of the listener, if you say nothing they can assume that you agree with them. 

This can also be a trap for us.  There are times when we are to speak up.  What we say will be rejected by the world.  We might be persecuted for it.

(Matthew 5:11 KJV)  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

The temptation to remain silent and thus imply agreement can be very powerful.

So?  It may not be right to always make statements but the church of God is being sidelined because it is silent.  Too often we take the path of least resistance instead of the path of wisdom.  If there is an error we make it is being to courteous.